Report on Megan Walrod’s Contributions to Sustainable Development Goals through Literary and Empowerment Work

Executive Summary

This report details the work of author and coach Megan Walrod, analyzing her contributions to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through her literary works, international advocacy, and professional coaching, Walrod’s efforts align significantly with key SDGs, particularly those focused on gender equality, quality education, poverty reduction, and decent work. Her career demonstrates a consistent commitment to empowering women and amplifying marginalized voices, thereby advancing a global agenda for sustainable and equitable development.

Literary Works as a Vehicle for SDG 5: Gender Equality

Walrod’s writing, both fiction and non-fiction, serves as a powerful tool for promoting the principles of SDG 5: Gender Equality. Her work challenges restrictive social norms and advocates for female empowerment and self-determination.

• Debut Novel “It’s Always Been Me”: The novel’s protagonist, Sabine, embarks on a journey of self-rediscovery after sacrificing her own ambitions within a marriage. This narrative directly addresses targets of SDG 5 by exploring themes of female agency, economic independence, and the importance of women realizing their full potential.
• Disrupting Narratives: Walrod consciously developed the novel over a decade to “disrupt the narrative of the happily ever after,” providing a story that models resilience and empowerment for a female audience.

International Advocacy and Direct Impact on Multiple SDGs

Walrod’s volunteerism and collaborative projects in Uganda demonstrate a direct and measurable impact on several interconnected SDGs. Her work with the non-profit Girl Up Initiative Uganda (GUIU) exemplifies a targeted approach to sustainable development.

1. SDG 4 (Quality Education) & SDG 5 (Gender Equality): Walrod volunteered for GUIU, a non-profit dedicated to advancing gender equity through education and workforce development for adolescent girls in the slums of Kampala.
2. SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities): She co-wrote the 2018 non-fiction book, “We Have Something To Say: True Stories From Adolescent Girls Growing Up In The Slums Of Kampala.” This project gave a platform to 16 marginalized girls, directly addressing the goal of empowering and promoting the social inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, or origin.
3. SDG 1 (No Poverty) & SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals): The book served as a successful fundraising tool, a partnership that raised over $50,000 for GUIU. These funds contribute directly to poverty reduction efforts by providing educational and developmental resources to girls and their communities.

Professional Coaching for Economic and Social Empowerment

For over 16 years, Walrod has worked as a Women’s Empowerment Coach, a role that directly supports the advancement of women in both their personal and professional lives, aligning with the following goals:

• SDG 5 (Gender Equality): Her coaching focuses on helping women build confidence, set boundaries, and break free from “people pleasing.” This work is fundamental to achieving gender equality by equipping women with the tools to take on leadership roles and participate fully in all areas of life.
• SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth): By supporting women in creating fulfilling lives and careers, her coaching contributes to their economic empowerment. This fosters inclusive and sustainable economic growth by ensuring women have the skills and confidence to secure decent work.

Commitment to Inclusive Institutions and Partnerships

Walrod’s professional choices reflect a commitment to building and supporting institutions that align with sustainable development principles.

• Supporting Women-Led Enterprise (SDG 5 & SDG 8): Walrod chose She Writes Press, a woman-owned and operated publisher, for her novel. This decision actively supports women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in economic life.
• Building Supportive Communities (SDG 17): Her experience with the publisher is described as a “supportive community experience,” highlighting the value of partnerships that strengthen the means of implementation for sustainable development by fostering collaborative networks among women creators.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The article highlights several issues and initiatives undertaken by the author, Megan Walrod, that connect to the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

• SDG 4: Quality Education: The article mentions Walrod’s volunteer work with “Girl Up Initiative Uganda,” a nonprofit that aims to promote gender equity through education. This directly links to ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education.
• SDG 5: Gender Equality: This is a central theme. It is addressed through Walrod’s work with the Ugandan nonprofit, her nonfiction book giving voice to adolescent girls, her career as a Women’s Empowerment Coach, the female empowerment themes in her novel, and her choice of a woman-owned publisher.
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth: The nonprofit’s goal of “workforce development” for girls in Uganda connects to promoting productive employment. Additionally, Walrod’s support for a woman-owned publisher and her coaching work, which helps women build skills, relate to economic empowerment.
• SDG 1: No Poverty: The article explicitly mentions that the nonfiction book Walrod co-wrote features stories from “adolescent girls growing up in the slums of Kampala.” This addresses the challenges faced by individuals living in poverty and the efforts to support them.
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities: By focusing on empowering adolescent girls in the slums of Kampala, the initiatives described in the article work towards reducing inequalities based on gender, age, and economic status.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the activities described, the following specific SDG targets can be identified:

1. Target 4.5: “By 2030, eliminate gender disparities in education and ensure equal access to all levels of education and vocational training for the vulnerable…” The work of “Girl Up Initiative Uganda” to encourage gender equity through education for girls in the slums of Kampala directly supports this target.
2. Target 5.5: “Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic and public life.” This is reflected in Walrod’s choice to publish with “She Writes Press, a woman owned and operated publisher,” which promotes women’s leadership in the economic sphere. Her work as a Women’s Empowerment Coach also aims to build women’s confidence for fuller participation in life.
3. Target 5.b: “Enhance the use of enabling technology… to promote the empowerment of women.” Walrod’s work as an empowerment coach involves building an “online business” to support women, and the book she co-wrote serves as a communication tool to drive attention and funds, thereby promoting empowerment.
4. Target 8.6: “By 2020, substantially reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education or training.” The nonprofit’s focus on education and “workforce development” for adolescent girls in Kampala is a direct effort to address this target.
5. Target 10.2: “By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex… or economic or other status.” The initiative to co-write a book with “16 girls living in the capital of Uganda” to tell their true stories is a clear example of empowering a vulnerable group and promoting their social inclusion.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, the article mentions several quantitative and qualitative indicators that can be used to measure progress:

• Financial resources mobilized: The article states that the nonfiction book “ended up raising over fifty thousand dollars for GUIU.” This is a direct, quantifiable indicator of financial support generated for programs aimed at empowering girls (relevant to SDG 1, 4, 5).
• Number of individuals empowered to participate: The book “contains stories by 16 girls living in the capital of Uganda.” The number of girls given a platform to share their stories is a qualitative indicator of their empowerment and inclusion (relevant to SDG 5, 10).
• Support for women’s entrepreneurship: The fact that Walrod’s publisher, “She Writes Press,” is a “woman owned and operated publisher” serves as a qualitative indicator of women’s participation and leadership in the economy (relevant to SDG 5, 8).
• Duration of empowerment initiatives: The article notes that Walrod has been a “Women’s Empowerment Coach… for over 16 years,” indicating a long-term commitment to and experience in programs that support women’s empowerment (relevant to SDG 5).

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: springvillejournal.com